Westminster Dog Show 2012 Welcomes 6 New Dog Breeds

The 2012 Westminster Dog show is February 13 and 14 at Madison Square Garden.  This year they welcome six new dog breeds to this competition which is in it's 136th year and includes 179 other dog breeds.

• The American English coonhound - bred from Virginia hounds which were descended from English foxhounds.
• The Cesky terrier = a short-legged hunting dog
• The Entlebucher mountain dog - the smallest of the four dog breeds native to Switzerland.
• The Finnish lapphund - reindeer-hearding dogs from northern Scandinavia
• The Norwegian Lundehund - the six-toed "puffin" dog of Norway
• The Xoloitzcuintli - formerly known as the Mexican hairless and the national dog of Mexico.

Watch 2011 AKC Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show on ABC

Don't forget to tune in to ABC tomorrow, Saturday, February 4 to watch the AKC / Eukanuba National Championship 2011 dog show.  Scheduled for 2 pm EST, but you should check your local television listings.

We'll be watching for Talking Dogs' favorite black Labrador Retriever dog, Calypso (GCH CH Kaltrav Caribbean Cruise JH.)     Calypso won Best of Breed at Eukanuba!

My Black Lab Dog Earrings are going to Eukanuba!

Calypso Photo: WiscNews.com

I'm excited!  My black Labrador Retriever dog earrings are going to the Eukanuba National Championship dog show.  And they'll be worn by the lovely ladies accompanying a black Lab competitor that goes by the name of Calypso.

Earlier this year, Gary and I enjoyed watching the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.  We always pick our favorites from each class and root for them (much to our own dogs' annoyance.)  This time we were really rooting for the black Lab.  We were thrilled that he won best of his breed.

Flash forward to last week when I heard from one of my For Love of a Dog jewelry customers.  Pat had purchased a pair of my black Lab earrings and wanted more.  She mentioned that she was leaving this week for the Eukanuba show where she'd be watching her black Lab compete.

Yep.  Same dog.  Calypso is now:  MBIS MBISS GCH CH Kaltrav Caribbean Cruise JH.  He's co-owned by Pat Kroll of Honorbright Labradors, Mary Henricks, and Cindy Trip of Sunrize Labradors.  He's currently being specialed and handled by Erin Hall.  Kathy Turbett of Kaltrav Labradors bred this outstanding dog.

According to Pat, Calypso is a sweetheart with beautiful expression and effortless movement.  At Eukanuba, he'll be competing in a class of 56 Labrador Retrievers.  

The 11th Annual AKC / Eukanuba National Championship will be held on December 17 and 18 in Orlando, Florida.  A record 3,938 dogs will compete with 173 AKC recognized dog breeds represented. According to Show Chairman, Ron Menaker, this is not only the largest dog show in the country this year, it is the largest by-invitation-only dog show in their history.  This event will air on Saturday, February 4, 2012 on ABC.

Pat and her friends will be wearing their For Love of a Dog black Lab earrings to root for Calypso.  I hope they bring Calypso the very best of luck!  All of us at For Love of a Dog will be following the AENC on Facebook for live Group and Best in Show results, watching for good news about Calypso.

In the meantime, take a look at this beautiful boy in action at Westminster where Calypso won Best of Breed. 

Hurry to Enter Labrador Retriever Photo Dog Show Contest

Time is running out!  The Labrador Life Line Cyber Dog Show runs through 5 pm Pacific time on Friday, June 17.  Here's a great opportunity to show off your Labradors and to support this terrific group.  Even if you don't have a Lab, you can participate in this online dog show.  There's a special set of categories for all dog breeds. 

There are lots of categories and its easy to upload your photos to enter. The entry fee is $6 per photo, though some classes allow 3 entries for $15.  You can find details about the photo regulations, plus contest rules at Labrador Life Lines. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of Best of Breed, Best of Fun, and Best in Show.

You should definitely take a look at the photos that have already been entered in the dog show.  Gorgeous dogs abound, plus there are some dog-gone cute and funny entries, too. 

Last year the Cyber Show had a record number of entries:  over 200!  Labrador Life Line would love to break that record this year.  All proceeds from this online dog photograph contest go to benefit Labrador Life Line, a non-profit organization created to help owners / rescuers of Labrador Retrievers who are in need of financial assistance.  That assistance includes, but is not limited to, covering various medical costs and help to cover rescue or transportation expenses.  

For Love of a Dog is a proud supporter of this barking good group.  You can read more about Labrador Life Lines in this Talking Dogs article.

International Kennel Club of Chicago 150th Show Feb 26 and 27

International Kennel Club of Chicago is celebrating their 150th dog show!
Saturday and Sunday February 26 and 27
McCormick Place complex - North Building
Chicago, Illinois

There will be no entry fee for amateur owner handlers at these shows.

For more information contact the IKC.

Irish Setter Dog Jewelry and Gifts at For Love of a Dog

Irish Setter Dog Breed Pin at
For Love of a Dog Jewelry and Gifts

Okay, raise your paw if you watched the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving day.  (All paws to up at our house.).   It's a family tradition at For Love of a Dog.  We may miss some (or a lot) of the parade, but we never miss the dog show.  This year we were rooting for the American Staffordshire to win best in show, because we think that dog breed can use all the positive press it can get.  However, the truth is that we couldn't decide who we thought would win.  We certainly enjoyed host, John O'Hurley's comments and passionate comments about the Irish Setter.   I'm sure Irish Setter lovers were pretty happy with the winner, too.

So, in honor of the winner, today I'm highlighting the Irish Setter dog breed jewelry and gifts at For Love of a Dog.  We offer handmade necklaces, bracelets, pins and even Christmas tree ornaments.  My personal favorite is our pin.

Fabulous Irish Setter dog pin. These handmade dog breed pins (brooches) are like no other I've ever seen. Entirely made by hand by an American artist. First a hand carved sculpture is created which is then used to create a mould. Cast in resin, then hand air brush painted. They are then given a protective coating of lacquer so you can enjoy this dog breed jewelry for many years. Every effort is made to adhere to AKC and UKC dog breed standards. Frankly, they are amazing works of dog art. I've tried to show the sculptural details in the photos of this Irish Setter dog breed pin.

Shop at For Love of a Dog for dog breed jewelry and gifts sure to please any dog lover on your holiday shopping list.  Huge holiday sale now in progress!  Gift box packaging and free shipping with every purchase.

For Love of a Dog Jewelry in Miller Beer Commercial

Remember awhile back when we announced our jewelry would be used in filming a Miller High Life ber commercial?  The beer commercial set at a dog show in New York City?   Well...  we finally saw it.  A number of our readers emailed to ask when it would air.  We never did figure that out.  However, below is the entire commercial courtesy of youtube.com.   In the interest of full disclosure, we confess we watched numerous times trying to actually see the jewelry.  Best showing is the Chinese Crested dog breed pin worn by a fellow.  That gave us a chuckle.  There are other pins and a couple of necklaces, but you are forgiven if you can't spot them.

Paper Cities Dog Show in Wisconsin

Paper Cities Dog Show, our 63rd and 64th Anniversary - July 24-25

PCKC has held a raffle at their annual dog show for the past two years.  The first year they were able to donate $250 to their local shelter's building fund.  Last year they donated $500 to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.  This year they plan to purchase a ballistic protection vest for Chip, a Canine Police Dog at their local police department. Due to budget limitations, the police department cannot afford a vest for Chp. 

Paper Cities Kennel Club is located in Wausau Wisconsin with members living in several surrounding  counties.  They are a group of dog enthusiasts that operate as a not for profit organization.  They are licensed by the American Kennel Club.  Many of their members are active in rescue organizations, therapy dog work, national and regional breed clubs, puppy and adult canine obedience education, competition sports and training and a host of other activities.

for more information, visit Paper Cities Kennel Club on the web.

Let's Watch Beer Commercials

To tell you the truth, I don't watch a lot of television. And I certainly mentally tune out the commercials when I do. However, now I'm going to be watching for Miller beer commercials. Today I had a phone call from the costume designer for a new Miller beer commercial. Seems it will be set a a large dog show. The commercial's producer recently attended such an event in preparation for doing this commercial. This morning he told Melissa, the costume designer, that there HAD to be dog jewelry because, I quote, those dog people are crazy into their dogs and dog breed jewelry was everywhere.

Lucky me that Melissa found me on the web. A nice package of dog breed jewelry is overnighting itself to Manhatten as I write this. The shoot is tomorrow morning.

I am excited. And I'll watching for the new Miller beer commercial.

National Championship Dog Show

Wow, I almost forgot to bark about the AKC National Championship Dog Show. February 6 at p .m. on Animal Planet.

Fetch the For Love of a Dog pet events calendar to stay up to date on good things doggie.
Woof!
Tucker at For Love of a Dog

Blue Ribbon Cat, Dog or Horse Lover Necklace

I don't know about you, but in my heart of hearts, each and every one of my dogs, cats, and horses deserves a blue ribbon. And they're definitely First Place in my heart. Here's a necklace for all of you who feel the same way.

This handcrafted necklace features a handmade porcelain pendant charm that is a blue ribbon marked first place in yellow. Hand sculpted by a Michigan porcelain ceramics artist and just darling. I've combined it with gorgeous medium royal blue Lapis Lazuli and yellow Jade gemstone beads. All are hand wire wrapped with oxidized silver jeweler's wire. This handcrafted blue ribbon necklace is perfect jewelry for anyone who shows their dog, cat or horse or simply adores their special pet. It would also make a fabulous gift for any hard working animal rescue volunteer.

This is a pet lover necklace that gets Tucker's woof of approval.

Paper Cities All Breed Dog Show July 18-19

Paper Cities Kennel Club is located in Wausau Wisconsin, with members living in several surrounding counties. They're a group of dog enthusiasts that operates as a not for profit organization. They are licensed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Many of their members are active in Rescue organizations, Therapy Dog work, National/Regional Breed Clubs, puppy and adult canine obedience educators, competition sports and training, along with other dog related organizations.

For many years, Paper Cities Kennel Club has held a strong tie to their communities through involvement in many charitable endeavors, including, but not limited to:

Weekly ads - to benefit local Humane Society through pet adoption advertisements
* Canine Ambassadors – visit schools to educate children on proper dog etiquette
* Bite Prevention/Rabies Education – in conjunction with local Health Department
* Girl Scout Presentations – educating pre-teens/teens on a variety of dog activities
* Mall Demonstrations – promoting responsible pet ownership and ethical resources
* Rally, Obedience & Conformation Classes – offering education and training in competition sports
* Public Seminars – animal behavior, training, conformation, and animal health issues
* Annual AKC All Breed Dog Show
* Annual AKC Sanctioned Dog Match
* Jaycee Bike Rodeo – educating children about bite prevention & how to stay safe around dogs

To date, they’ve been able to sponsor these events, in part, through profits from our annual Paper Cities All Breed Dog Show which attracts 600-1,000 exhibitors from all over the country and more than 2,000 local spectators.. This year's event will be July 18-19 and marks their 61st and 62nd Anniversary!

Don't miss the raffle! This year a portion of the proceeds from raffle baskets - with all kinds of goodies for you and your dog - will be donated to Best Friends/Dogtown . The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary/Dogtown at Angel Canyon, in southern Utah, is home on any given day to about 2,000 dogs, cats, and other animals, which come from shelters and rescue groups around the country for special care they can only receive at Best Friends.

Visit Paper Cities Kennel Club web site for more information.